In the Gallery-August 2023

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Opening Reception is August 6th from 1-4 PM
The August show will be on view from August 6 – August 28. See website for hours.

Children’s Upstairs Studio
Stop by Sunday, and all month, to view the art our young students have created this summer under the instruction of Alison Amelchenko.

Studio – Members Choice

Gallery 1 – Noah Donnerstag – Perspectives

 Noah Donnerstag, of Beachwood, NJ expressed an interest in photography very early in his life. Now 17, and currently a student in the Design & Visual Communications program at Ocean County Vocational Technical School, he is embracing his creativity and working toward building a career doing what he loves. 

With his unique perspective, Noah notices details and textures in everyday things that others may not and can make the ordinary look extraordinary through his images. He is passionate about photographing nature, and in the past year has become particularly interested in capturing images of birds. The family’s two beloved dogs remain a constant source of inspiration. Sometimes humans make their way in front of his lens too. As Noah is building his portfolio, he has been hired for multiple weddings, communions and family portraits, and is currently seeking assignments to expand his body of work.

Noah is a self-proclaimed tech-geek and is well-versed in the technical aspects of photography and digital design. He is a Certified Adobe Professional in the top three Adobe design programs (Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign). This makes him a triple threat, as he can photograph, expertly edit photos and then design a piece in which to incorporate his images utilizing design, illustration and typography skills.

The following are some accolades Noah has received:

  • New Jersey Teen Arts 2022 – Selected to represent Central Regional High School
    Critiqued for Excellence in Ocean County, promoted to State Level
  • Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission – Salute to Ocean County Awards 2022 Winner: Visual Arts Presented award by Ocean County College and the Grunin Foundation
  • New Jersey Teen Arts 2023 –  Selected to represent OCVTS
  • Member of SkillsUSA 2023
    1st Place Gold Medalist in SkillsUSA State-wide (NJ) Photography Competition, March 2023 

The above qualifies Noah to compete in the SkillsUSA National Photography Competition – Atlanta, GA, June 19-24, 2023

Gallery 2 – Ben Collura – Abstract Acrylic Sculptures

Ben Collura was born and raised in Newark, NJ and is a self-taught artists. His expressionist style has been sought after by numerous organizations as he has been commissioned to do murals and sculptures along the way. Those works include a mural for the NJ School of Medicine and Dentistry, a granite memorial, “In the Line of Duty” for the Scotch Plains Police Academy, a 12 foot sculpture for the St.Stephen’s RC Church in Pennsauken,NJ and a large sculpture medallion for the Police Complex in Elizabeth, NJ.
Ben’s August show at the OCAG features 9/11 themed works along with other pieces. Here is his own words describing his exhibit: The thought of 9/11 is beyond imagining! It occurred with terrific consequences then and afterwards.
These intuitive expressions encompass what I, the artist, understands as “ critical thresholds”. Each composition amplifies in its own way the island’s jeopardy before the storm to come. The paintings have distinct background color: my intent is to conjure up the thought of a rainbow, a powerful symbol of peace, prosperity and covenant love and a direct contradiction of the malediction and hatred of the perpetrators.
In the interior juxtaposition of each cityscape there is a brush or pencil or a palette here and there. These represent my signature of affirmation and affinity in the aesthetic of the framework itself.
Also seen is the appearance of skylights representing an artist studio, and apropos of the SoHo District, not far from the 9/11 site.
Stars, ominous shrouds of billowing clouds, help to portend the fated demise of the city. The organic shapes herald the victimization of so many as not the final denouement, for they now freely essay above the static forms of Manhattan Island.
The “why” of their personal ill-fortune remains a mystery, but the victimhood we share is not.

Pop-Up Gallery – Ilene Van Duyne – Sculpture
While studying for my degree in Accounting, I was encouraged by a Professor to take art courses. I first took a Ceramic course at Ocean County College and continued with Drawing and Design Courses at Georgian Court College. Through-out my professional Accounting career, I continued my growth as an artist by studying under Beverly Golembeski, watercolorist and Gert Cook, potter. I intensified my study of the ceramic arts under Lisa K. Cecere. I include workshops in my ongoing development as an artist and participated in workshops with renowned ceramists Paul Soldner, Peter Voulkas, Ryoji Koie, and Peter Callas, and watercolorists Frank Webb and Martin Ahearns.

After retirement, I returned to college and received my degree in Fine Art. I now share my knowledge in the ceramic arts by teaching workshops and classes at the Belmar Clay Project.

My work is inspired by my personal memories and life experiences. I interpret the impact of nature, my surroundings while traveling, and current events. Many times I express my inspiration in poetry.

My works are in many private collections from Maine to Florida and in the Southwestern United States. My designs have been donated to several charitable organizations. They have been adopted as logos and can be seen on tee shirts and promotional items
 

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